HOUSTON, Texas – U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today issued the following statement on the passing of beloved Texan, James Avery:
“James Avery is a Texas legend whose contributions to our state will live on, both through the jewelry he crafted for countless of proud Texans across our state and beyond, and the investments he made in the Kerrville, San Antonio, and greater Texas areas across six decades of leadership in the Texas business community.
“Avery served our nation in World War II as a U.S. Air Force pilot, commanding a B-26 bomber and surviving 44 missions over Nazi Germany. He returned home, settling in Kerrville, to raise his family and start a business whose brand has become as engrained in the fabric of our state’s heritage as Dr Pepper or Lucchese boots. It is because of Texans like him that the Lone Star State is known across America and around the world for its friendly determination, deep-seated faith, persevering grit, and pioneering spirit. He will be sorely missed and forever remembered, and Heidi and I join his family, his employees, and the Kerrville community in celebrating his life of accomplishment.”